Question Types¶
Varsity Learning supports 17 question types. Each type uses a different input method and evaluation strategy.
Quick Reference¶
| Type | Input Method | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Math expression box | Numeric answers, expressions |
| Calculated | Math expression box | Answers computed from random values |
| Multiple Choice | Radio buttons | One correct answer from a list |
| Multiple Answer | Checkboxes | Multiple correct answers |
| Matching | Dropdowns | Pairing items from two lists |
| Function | Graph drawing | Graphing a function |
| String | Text field | Short text, exact-match answers |
| Essay | Rich text editor | Long-form written responses |
| Drawing | Canvas tools | Geometric constructions, sketches |
| N-Tuple | Ordered list of fields | Points, ordered pairs, n-tuples |
| Matrices | Grid of number fields | Matrix entries |
| Complex Numbers | Math expression box | Complex number answers |
| Intervals | Interval notation input | Domain/range, solution sets |
| Chemistry | Chemical formula editor | Molecular formulas, equations ([chemequation]) |
| File Upload | File picker | Student-submitted files |
| Multipart | Multiple sub-parts | Multi-step problems with mixed types |
| Conditional | Code-defined | Programmatic answer checking |
Choosing a Question Type¶
Numeric / algebraic answers → Number or Calculated Select from options → Multiple Choice or Multiple Answer Coordinate geometry → N-Tuple (for points) or Drawing (for constructions) Proof or explanation → Essay Linear algebra → Matrices Precalculus/calculus domain-range → Intervals Multi-step problems → Multipart Non-standard evaluation logic → Conditional
How Types Affect Grading¶
- Number / Calculated / Complex / N-Tuple / Matrices / Intervals — graded automatically with tolerance settings
- Multiple Choice / Multiple Answer / Matching / String / Chemistry — exact match, graded automatically
- Function / Drawing — automatically graded using geometric tolerance
- Essay / File Upload — requires manual instructor grading (or configured AI grading)
- Conditional — custom grading logic you define in the question code